Buckingham Canal facts for kids
The Buckingham Canal is a long canal in India. It stretches for about 796 kilometers (495 miles) along the eastern coast. This canal runs from Kakinada city in Andhra Pradesh all the way to Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu. It's a freshwater waterway used for navigation, meaning boats can travel on it. The canal runs parallel to the Coromandel Coast and connects natural backwater areas along the coast to the Chennai port.
What is the Buckingham Canal?
The Buckingham Canal is like a long, man-made river that helps connect different towns and cities along India's eastern coast. It's special because it runs very close to the sea, following the coastline. This canal was designed to help move goods and people, making travel and trade easier between different regions.
Who Built This Canal?
The Buckingham Canal was built a long time ago by the British when they ruled India. Construction first started in 1806. The very first part of the canal was built from Chennai North to a place called Ennore. Over time, the canal was made longer and longer.
How Long is the Canal?
The canal was extended in several stages. After its first part was built, it was later stretched northwards up to Pulicat Lake, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Chennai. By 1837, the canal became much longer. It was extended about 316 kilometers (196 miles) north of Chennai, reaching towards Vijayawada. It was also extended about 219.8 kilometers (136.6 miles) south of Chennai, reaching a town called Parangipettai. This made the canal a very important route for transport in those days.
Images for kids
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Buckingham Canal near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
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Map of the Coromandel Coast with the Buckingham Canal (French)
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Section of the Canal near RA Puram with MRTS
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The canal at one of its most polluted forms, near Korukkupet
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Map of Chennai City showing the Buckingham Canal. The Canal runs perpendicular to Coovum and Adayar rivers.
